James Rodriguez is now officially a Rayo Vallecano footballer. The current runner-up of the America’s Cup decided to embark on the centennial project of the segment. The Colombian signed for one season plus another optional season with the aim of being able to return to La Liga. In ‘Good night and good goals’ we have spoken with RAL Martin Pressa, president of Rayo and the main culprit of his landing in Vallecas.
The arrival of James: “It’s a very exciting thing and especially in a year like the centenary when the best player in La Liga decided to sign for Rayo.”
The importance of signing“I put him at the same level as he was 38 years ago when he was a player who was recently promoted like the new players to Serie A. Fitch Diego Armando Maradona. At that time it was a modest team, although a big one. The same thing happened now when a club like Rayo managed to sign a player like James who comes from being the best player in the America’s Cup.”
The signing process“We explained our project, what we want and what this club is. James wants to return to La Liga. It is the best league in the world despite the fact that we are facing a competition like the Premier League in a country like England with 50% more population, 60% more GDP, and a population that has more homemade habits, consuming paid football. Despite this, the Liga is one point above”:
The presence of Dani Olmo“We don’t set the rules, it would be average to start thinking about what Barcelona can or cannot play with. We are our enemies in Vallecas and if we are ourselves, it is very likely that we will beat Barcelona. We can’t waste time on these things.”:
The highest paid player in the history of the club: “I don’t have all the data now. It’s an effort for us and for you too. We are both very excited , to get it and to have a very good centenary year. We hope that we will be able to have this conversation in round 38 and be very happy that we have achieved permanence at the start”.
Both parties have made an effort and we are very satisfied
Golden balls in the Liga: “It’s very clear. Anyone who wants to win the Golden Ball must come to the Liga and that’s why Mbappe gave up part of his bonuses. So to have players like Atletico, Barcelona or other very important players like James who are making a big economic effort to be able to sign for Rayo and participate in La Liga.”
